Jack Leonard

John Francis (Jack) Leonard passed peacefully Tuesday morning September 27, 2011 with his wife of 63 years, Jean, by his side. Jack lived a good life with many happy years and recently fought a short, yet courageous battle with cancer.

Jack was born October 2, 1925 to James Edward and Winnifred Leonard and spent his childhood in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering. Jack served in the U.S. Army/Airforce during World War II. He was a faithful member of the Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish in the The Woodlands for 25 years. Jack married the love of his life (from early childhood), Roberta Jean Meyer in 1948. The Leonards eventually moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Jack worked for many years as a petroleum engineer at Atlantic Richfield. Jack and Jean enjoyed every minute together and were proud to have 10 children, 19 grandchildren plus one on the way, and 7 great grandchildren with another on the way. Jack was predeceased by his parents, one brother, James Leonard, grandsons Jason Mayorga and Bryan Scott Leonard, and by his beloved sons James Leonard and Joseph Leonard.

Jack loved playing the trumpet and he loved listening to classical music and jazz. He was an extraordinary musician who passed on the love of music and art to his children. He enjoyed playing golf, he loved reading, he loved watching the stock market’s ups and downs, and he loved attending mass. In the last several years, Jack particularly loved spending time with friends and family and visiting the local bagel shop each morning with Jean, where they enjoyed seeing his friend, the shop’s owner, Nick Cannistra.

He is survived by the absolute love of his life, the most beautiful woman in the world to him, his wife and partner, Jean Leonard, daughter Karen Burkman and husband Manfred, daughter Joan Mayorga and husband Nap, daughter Mary Morrison, daughter Ann Bielert, daughter Patricia Drackert and husband Mark, daughter Debbie O’Donnell and husband Richard, son Danny Leonard and wife Janette and son John Leonard and wife Laura.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Jack Leonard Friday, September 30, at 6:00 pm with the rosary at 7:30 pm; Forest Park Funeral Home; 12800 Westheimer; Houston, TX 77077. Funeral services will be Saturday October 1st at 10 am at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish (the Woodlands); 26777 Glen Loch Drive; The Woodlands, TX 77381; Phone: 281-367-9885 and internment at Forest Park Funeral Home about 12:00 pm.